Francona's passing cast a pall over Cleveland's training camp in Goodyear, Arizona, as pitchers and catchers reported Wednesday. Terry Francona, who has been affectionately called "Tito" for years in a respectful bow to his dad, will leave the team for several days to be with family.

There will be private services to celebrate the elder Francona's life.

"We're all incredibly saddened by Tito's passing," Indians president Chris Antonetti said. "Not only was he a really good player in our franchise history but he was a friend to so many of us. There have been so many great things for the organization and for me personally. Having Terry here for the last five years, one of the most meaningful things for me was to get to know his dad and build a friendship with him.

"He was such a warm, thoughtful, exuberant person that brightened every room he walked into. To have the opportunity to visit with him when he'd come into town, to hear his stories, to see how he and Terry connected was really meaningful. He will be missed by so many of us."

After he was fired in Boston following the 2011 season, Terry Francona spent a year in broadcasting before he was hired by the Indians. In Cleveland, he was closer to his dad, who would occasionally drive in for games.

"It was such a deep bond and having a chance to talk to Tito (Terry) today, he was able to reflect back and talk about so many great memories he shared with his dad showed how deep that bond was," Antonetti said. "He said, 'I had the best mom and dad in the world and to have the chance over the past handful of seasons share a lot of those moments with my dad, for him to come to Cleveland and watch every game on TV, with a chance to talk about them with him afterwards, were memories that he will continue to cherish."

Terry Francona was born the first year his dad played in Cleveland. All Francona did that season was bat .359 and finish fifth in AL MVP voting. He led the AL in doubles the following year, and in 1961 he was an AL All-Star and led the league in singles.

Francona made his debut in 1956 with the Baltimore Orioles. He retired as a player following the 1970 season with Milwaukee.

The Indians ask that in lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Tito Francona's memory to Cleveland Indians Charities (http://mlb.mlb.com/cle/community/donation_form.jsp). Funds will be directed to youth baseball-oriented programs in both Cleveland and New Brighton.

We invite you to share condolences for John "Tito" Francona in our Guest Book.

Francona's passing cast a pall over Cleveland's training camp in Goodyear, Arizona, as pitchers and catchers reported Wednesday. Terry Francona, who has been affectionately called "Tito" for years in a respectful bow to his dad, will leave the team for several days to be with family.

There will be private services to celebrate the elder Francona's life.

"We're all incredibly saddened by Tito's passing," Indians president Chris Antonetti said. "Not only was he a really good player in our franchise history but he was a friend to so many of us. There have been so many great things for the organization and for me personally. Having Terry here for the last five years, one of the most meaningful things for me was to get to know his dad and build a friendship with him.

"He was such a warm, thoughtful, exuberant person that brightened every room he walked into. To have the opportunity to visit with him when he'd come into town, to hear his stories, to see how he and Terry connected was really meaningful. He will be missed by so many of us."

After he was fired in Boston following the 2011 season, Terry Francona spent a year in broadcasting before he was hired by the Indians. In Cleveland, he was closer to his dad, who would occasionally drive in for games.

"It was such a deep bond and having a chance to talk to Tito (Terry) today, he was able to reflect back and talk about so many great memories he shared with his dad showed how deep that bond was," Antonetti said. "He said, 'I had the best mom and dad in the world and to have the chance over the past handful of seasons share a lot of those moments with my dad, for him to come to Cleveland and watch every game on TV, with a chance to talk about them with him afterwards, were memories that he will continue to cherish."

Terry Francona was born the first year his dad played in Cleveland. All Francona did that season was bat .359 and finish fifth in AL MVP voting. He led the AL in doubles the following year, and in 1961 he was an AL All-Star and led the league in singles.

Francona made his debut in 1956 with the Baltimore Orioles. He retired as a player following the 1970 season with Milwaukee.

The Indians ask that in lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Tito Francona's memory to Cleveland Indians Charities (http://mlb.mlb.com/cle/community/donation_form.jsp). Funds will be directed to youth baseball-oriented programs in both Cleveland and New Brighton.

We invite you to share condolences for John "Tito" Francona in our Guest Book.

Guest Book Highlights

"We will miss TITO he was a great MAN The Yeager family New Brighton Bob Yeager Lavern Ca."- Bruce Yeager (New Brighton, PA)

"My thought are with the Francona family with the loss of the patriarch. As an Oriole fan, I want to say thanks for the joy Tito gave me as my Dad and I sat in the bleachers of Memorial Stadium. He was a great great player and friend of Ted..."

"I was very fortunate to work with Tito through the Muscular Dystrophy Association. He was a very kind, considerate and compassionate person that I have been honored to know as a fellow volunteer and friend. You have my deepest sympathy and know..."- Roberta Summers (Columbia, SC)

"My deepest condolences to the family. I'm so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. May the God of all comfort be with you to give you comfort and strength."

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Published online on February 13, 2018 courtesy of Tributes.com

John "Tito" Francona, former MLB All-Star and father of Cleveland Indians manager Terry Francona, died Tuesday, Feb. 13, 2017, according to the Associated Press. He was 84. For full obituary and...
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